Acquiring a Property

It is WPN Housing’s goal to provide a quality chapter home that is competitive with each chapter’s campus/fraternity housing, relevant to current student housing desires and expectations and a safe environment for Sig Tau members.

Housing for Sig Tau chapters varies from campus to campus. Many chapters operate housing through a local housing corporation or WPN Housing; others utilize partnerships with college/university housing or other third parties.

Consider the following when preparing to acquire first-time housing or when considering building or renovation project.

Chapter Success:

When it comes to supporting a chapter house, a strong chapter and chapter-size are necessary. The competitive housing can be an excellent recruiting tool on your campus; however, a house cannot create a strong chapter. The foundation for a strong chapter must be in place before a chapter should seek out a chapter house.

Alumni Support:

A committed alumni organization and alumni base is one of the chapter’s greatest assets. Alumni corporations that are legally registered and compliant with all state and IRS requirements help direct the efforts and long-term vision for a chapter house.

Alumni volunteers that serve as chapter advisors are also essential to running a successful chapter house. A chapter that has a house adds a layer of complexity. Active alumni volunteers assist chapter officers in all aspects of chapter management including emergency preparedness, member safety, social event planning.

Housing Availability:

The availability of housing varies from campus to campus, but finding the right property for your chapter is vital. Chapters and alumni chapter/housing corporations need to be sure that their assets are economically feasible with a business plan that makes sense.

Location and the overall condition of the property are important to consider. Proximity to campus, zoning requirements and neighborhood should all be taken into consideration. Chapters will want to have a chapter house that will also not have deferred maintenance concerns so that all their funds are put into the property.

Finally, choosing the right facility for the size of the chapter is vital to the decision-making process. Ideally, the chapter size is twice the capacity of the facility and live-in expectations are shared with all potential new members to ensure the house is at capacity at all times.

Long Term Planning and Savings

Planning for a successful chapter house program is essential. Committed alumni organizations that operate a strong business plan, including an excellent alumni communication strategy and regular fundraising program, will succeed. Chapters and Alumni corporations also should set aside funds for unforeseen repair and maintenance items, future upgrades or future acquisition.

To learn more about acquiring property for your chapter, please call 660-747-2222.